Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend

By: Matthew Dicks

Narrated by: Matthew Brown

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Imaginary friend Budo narrates this heartwarming story of love, loyalty, and the power of the imagination—the perfect read for anyone who has ever had a friend . . . real or otherwise.

Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He's been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends. But Budo feels his age, and thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him. When that happens, Budo will disappear.

Max is different from other children. Some people say that he has Asperger's Syndrome, but most just say he's "on the spectrum." None of this matters to Budo, who loves Max and is charged with protecting him from the class bully, from awkward situations in the cafeteria, and even in the bathroom stalls. But he can't protect Max from Mrs. Patterson, the woman who works with Max in the Learning Center and who believes that she alone is qualified to care for this young boy.

When Mrs. Patterson does the unthinkable and kidnaps Max, it is up to Budo and a team of imaginary friends to save him—and Budo must ultimately decide which is more important: Max's happiness or Budo's very existence.

Narrated by Budo, a character with a unique ability to have a foot in many worlds—imaginary, real, child, and adult— Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship as it races to a heartwarming . . . and heartbreaking conclusion.

©2012 Matthew Dicks (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Matthew Brown gives a winning performance as Budo, the imaginary friend of 8-year-old Max…Brown's uncanny reproduction of Max's high-pitched hysteria makes Max completely believable.” —AudioFile Magazine

“A novel as creative, brave, and pitch-perfect as its narrator, an imaginary friend named Budo, who reminds us that bravery comes in the most unlikely forms. It has been a long time since I read a book that has captured me so completely, and has wowed me with its unique vision. You've never read a book like this before. As Budo himself might say: Believe me.” —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Sing You Home

“When 8-year –old Max gets kidnapped by his troubled teacher, the true-blue pal he's dreamed up comes to his rescue.” —People Magazine

What an imagination this writer has!

I loved this book. It was so fresh. Like nothing I had read before. I was so attached to the characters, on the edge of my seat about the ending and always wondering how anyone has the imagination to think of what "life" would be like for an imaginary friend. The mark of a great book is I miss the characters now that they are gone.

Very good-but...

Any additional comments?

This was an excellent story. As a teacher of young children with special needs, I found the story very true to real life. The only part that I didn't understand was the very end. What happened to Budo?

The story and the perspective are encompassing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Not only is the the story of a good one, but telling it from the perspective of an imaginary friend is fresh and insightful into the world of autism spectrum. Even without that interest I can see many people enjoying the story of Boodo and Max.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oswald. He was initially misunderstood, but his willingness to sacrifice himself for Max and his belief that he would live on because of that made me feel affectionate toward him.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Max escapes and is finally able to make decisions for himself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Actually I enjoyed taking breaks to digest some what I'd heard during each listening.

Couldn't Stop

This a fabulous story from a very creative viewpoint; an imaginery friend. Budo is the delightful narrator and he is pitch perfect the whole way through. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat and silently screaming "GO GO GO!"

I loved this book!

It was masterfully written. The character development and plot were amazing. It causes the readers to journey through a range of emotions. Listening again!

A Brilliant Book

I could not stop listening to this book, both the story and the reader were exceptional. Matthew Brown was able to capture the inventive and creative personalities of each imaginary friend and to make the childlike personalities sound "normal" rather than contrived. The innocence of Max and all the imaginary friends shone through. The author was able to take the serious subjects of autism and child abduction and combine them with a fantasy background that was brilliant and magical. The insight into an autistic child's thought process were excellent, as well as his parents struggles and those of the caring teacher who tries so hard to help Max learn and relate to his peers. The imaginary friends belong in a Spielberg or Scorcese film, I truly hope that happens one day as I would love to see them come to life. I believe this story will appeal to young and old alike and would be a great YA read. I can't wait to share this touching, magical,inventive and brilliant story!"

Wonderful

This was a wonderful book. Yes, it is simple but not in the way of one reviewer said. One lines and childish. It is told by an imaginary friend of a child. An autistic child. I'm not sure how complicated you would want it to be with that premise. It's simple in the fact there are no twists and turns and complication in the plot and for me, it flowed, didn't leave me with question or whys, it was a complete simple story. Funny, smart and witty, this book had me within 20 minutes. I smiled, I laughed out loud , my heart raced and yes, I even felt a lump in my throat. I got this book because it was different from any other book I had read and I am so very glad I did. If you are looking for different, this would be it. The narrator was also very good. Reminded me a little of Kirby Heybourne, one of my favorites. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves audio.

A Good Listen for a Winter Day

Where does Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the concept. The story presents a look at the problems of childhood and the "special child" from a new perspective. The view of the world through the eyes of an imaginary friend is told in a consistently believable way that keeps the reader in the mood of the story. There are none of the jarring That Wouldn't Happen moments that often spoil stories like this one.

What does Matthew Brown bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Although this is a suspense story that keeps one wanting to know what happens next, the tone throughout is gentle, reflecting the love and concern the imaginary friend feels for his child friend. The reading of Matthew Brown sets this mood early in the story and even when the narrator is upset and concerned the mood remains. This is a perfect listen for a winter day. Grab a cup of tea, an afghan and a big soft chair and enjoy!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

Would have liked to see a couple of changes in the ending. Would have liked to know what happens to the "villain".
Also, the continued use of "dance with the devil in the pale moonlight" caused this evocative phrase to lose its impact and eventually become an annoying distraction. But that is a very small flaw in an otherwise enjoyable tale.

Special

great book. working with special needs kiddos I was able to relate to Max and his teachers.

Excellent story

A great read, I enjoy every moment of the book.
I could not put it down.
I laughed, and at times tears came to my eyes.
The narrator was right on with all the characters.